I've been working through coding tutorials on YouTube for some time now, but I feel completely stuck in 'tutorial hell.' When I create projects, I'm just following the instructions step-by-step without really grasping how to do it on my own. If I try to build something from scratch, I'm always at a loss for where to begin or coming up with ideas. Has anyone else experienced this? What steps did you take to start creating your own projects?
5 Answers
Look for projects that align with your interests! If you're into gaming, for instance, you could create a program that generates tournament brackets or tracks your gaming stats through an API. Start with something that excites you, and use tutorials to help you get unstuck. Focus on understanding specific parts of the code instead of just copying it. You’ll learn a lot faster that way!
Have you considered sketching out your projects in pseudocode first? It's a great way to outline your ideas using simple descriptions and a mix of programming language conventions. It can really help clarify your thoughts before you dive into code.
That's a great idea! Pseudocode can definitely make the coding process smoother.
What kinds of projects have you tackled with tutorials? Knowing your current skill level can really help others give you advice!
I've done a few like a weather app and a tic-tac-toe game in React.
Here's a plan:
1. Switch to vanilla JavaScript and DOM manipulation first—put React on hold.
2. Check out the 'Exact Instructions Challenge PB&J' video on YouTube by John Darnit; it's super helpful.
3. Find a JavaScript function reference you like.
4. Try building a simple number guessing game using only the reference.
The key is to break everything down into simple steps. Write your plan in plain English and refine it as needed. Tackle one instruction at a time; look for the simplest solutions. And feel free to reach out if you need help along the way!
Thanks for the guidance! I’ll definitely give it a shot.
This is a pretty common dilemma known as 'blank editor syndrome.' You've learned the basics, but when it’s time to start a project, everything feels overwhelming. A solid approach is to replicate existing projects. Don't worry about memorizing the code—focus on recreating the functionality. I have some small projects listed on my site that might inspire you!
That sounds fun! But how do you usually come up with project ideas?